Partner Article

£1m fund for digital and creative business in Greater Manchester

A £1m fund to support creative and digital industry in Greater Manchester has been launched by the Business Growth Hub in conjunction with the Technology Strategy Board.

It is one of only a handful of regional pots of its kind and is part of a £25m national programme to encourage R&D projects in the sector.

The money is available for pre start-ups, start-ups and micro and small business. Up to 60% of the total eligible project costs will be provided and entries will range in size up to £100k.

Richard Jeffery, director of the Business Growth Hub, said: “It is vital that we support and exploit the opportunities within the already vibrant Greater Manchester digital and creative community and this competition aims to take the companies working in it and help drive them forward by supporting innovation.

“Companies in the digital and creative media development sector tend to be less capital-intensive, small or sized and often form tight geographical clusters. This competition is designed specifically to promote the community dynamic within these vibrant clusters, encourage cooperation and, ultimately, grow business in the area for the benefit of the Greater Manchester and surrounding economy.”

The Business Growth Hub and its partners currently deliver products and services that include the Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI, Access to Finance, UK Start-Up Loans, NW Business Angels, Manchester Business Loans, ENWORKS and mentoring programmes plus a range of networking and specialist growth events.

The scheme will launch on November 4 at The Landing in MediaCity, although registration is now open. Those interested should visit this link.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .